10 Best Solar Camping Lanterns 2025 in the United States

The LuminAID Survivor Solar Lantern is a versatile and practical choice for camping, hiking, and emergency use. Its brightness settings range from a very bright 600 lumens down to a low power mode that can last over 130 hours, making it adaptable for different lighting needs—from bright task lighting to long-lasting ambient light. The battery life matches well with its brightness levels, offering several hours on high settings and impressive endurance on low.

Charging can be done either by solar power, which takes about 24-30 hours in direct sun, or more quickly via USB in 2-2.5 hours. This dual charging option is convenient, especially when sunlight is limited. In terms of durability, the lantern is inflatable, shatterproof, and waterproof up to one meter, which means it can handle rough outdoor conditions and even float on water—great for unpredictable weather or water-based activities. Weighing just over a pound and being inflatable, it is lightweight and compact for carrying in a backpack, enhancing portability.

A standout feature is its ability to charge phones through two USB ports, helping keep your devices powered in remote areas. The solar charging time is quite long, requiring a full day of sunlight for a complete charge, which might be inconvenient during short trips or cloudy days. Also, while the inflatable design is unique and space-saving, some users might prefer a more rigid structure for ease of use in certain situations. This lantern is well-suited for campers and travelers looking for a reliable, multipurpose light with extra phone charging capabilities, especially where weight and pack size are concerns.

The LuminAID 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern is a versatile, portable light designed for camping, hiking, and emergencies. It offers a bright 300-lumen output with multiple light modes, including a red light for night vision and a high-power turbo mode. Its standout feature is the inflatable design that expands to a 6-inch cube, providing ample light while collapsing down to just 1 inch thick for easy packing. Weighing about 12 ounces, it’s lightweight and won’t add much bulk to your gear.

The built-in 4000 mAh lithium-ion battery can keep the lantern running for up to 100 hours on low brightness, which is great for extended trips or power outages. Plus, it can recharge most phones 2 to 3 times, adding useful backup power. Charging options include solar power, which takes 16 to 20 hours under direct sun, or a faster USB recharge in about 4 hours. The lantern is made of tough, waterproof, and shatterproof TPU material with an IP67 rating, meaning it can handle rain and can even float on water, making it very durable for outdoor use.

A minor downside is the relatively long solar charging time, which might be inconvenient if sunlight is limited. Also, while 300 lumens is bright for a compact lantern, it might not be sufficient if you need very intense lighting for larger areas. This lantern is ideal for campers and travelers who want a reliable, lightweight light source with phone charging capability and a durable waterproof design.

The XTAUTO Collapsible Portable LED Camping Lantern is a versatile and practical choice for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness. It offers a brightness of 300 lumens, which is sufficient to light up a room or campsite effectively. The lantern's collapsible design makes it very portable, as it can be compacted down to the size of a phone, making it easy to carry in a backpack. The included folding handle allows for convenient hanging on tents or trees, freeing up your hands for other tasks.

Additionally, the lantern is lightweight, making it suitable for both adults and children to handle with ease. Its durable construction from high-quality ABS material ensures it can withstand tough environments, being water, heat, and freeze-resistant. This makes it reliable for various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing, as well as for home use during power outages or emergencies. The XTAUTO lantern shines in terms of battery life, offering more than 25 hours of lighting when fully charged.

It supports dual charging methods – solar and USB. This flexibility means you can recharge it using sunlight when you're outdoors or via USB when you have access to electricity. An added USB output port allows the lantern to double as a power bank, providing a power source for your Android devices in emergencies. However, a couple of potential drawbacks include the relatively long charging time, particularly when relying solely on solar power, and the brightness level of 300 lumens, which may not be sufficient for some users requiring more intense illumination. Despite these minor issues, the XTAUTO lantern is a robust and multi-functional tool for both outdoor adventures and emergency situations, offering a good balance of durability, portability, and additional useful features.